A RECORD number of participants are expected to jump on the bike and take on the ninth Western Tiers Cycle Challenge on Sunday.

Race director John O'May is hoping for more than 540 competitors to break the event's record, which raises funds for the New Horizons Club and Youngtown Rotary Club.

Novice to experienced cyclists will leave Prospect Park and complete one of five distances ranging from 24 kilometres to 170km.

Those brave enough to travel the maximum distance will go through to Deloraine, Chudleigh, Birralee and return to Prospect.

``In 2005 I did a charity ride in New Zealand called the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, it had 10,000 riders . . . I looked at it, and the New Horizon's club had a $10,000 debt at the time and my wife treasurer.

``So I thought if we can get a bike challenge up we could raise some money, and we cleared the New Horizons debt in the first year.

``They are all challenging rides, even the 24 kilometres for some people, but the 170-kilometre one definitely is.''

Last year's challenge was affected by bad weather, but still raised $11,000 for the two organisations.